Does my book need to be ready for publishing to get an ISBN?

If you didn't get that title, that's a joke from the Big Lebowski, a definite Plot Dude principle. Look, we want this whole durn community to be fun, enjoyable, and a safe space for everyone. So we have to set some rules to get started. Refer back to this post from time to time, but we'll try to announce any changes in separate posts. But here's our starting place: 1) Be kind. Don't dis on anyone else for any reason. There are some topics we just won't allow to be discussed here, but no matter what, kindness matters. That golden rule thing: treat others the way you want to be treated. No exceptions. This is the only rule where there won't be a warning: treat someone unkindly, and you'll get removed faster than the Dude can mark a gutterball zero. 2) No selling or self-promotion. Stacey and I are even "light" on this in this community. There are classes, some that will be free, others that are paid, in the classroom section. Most of the time though we will be posting about FREE things we offer, like free webinars, education, and our podcast. If you offer author services and want to be recommended by Print2Pro, contact us. You get one warning for this one. Continued self promo after that? You'll find yourself outside, and unable to look in. 3) No political or religious posts, even related to your current WIP. This is a politics and religion free space, not because we don't care about those things, but because they cause division. We're here to talk about writing craft and business. Stacey and I even differ in our religious and political beliefs, but we won't be having that discussion here. If you are insanely curious, and want to talk about those things, you'll have to book a paid consultation with us one on one, and we might have to charge you double. 4) Don't be annoying or be a jerk. Everyone is at a different stage in their writing career and has different goals. We like to teach gently, not in a condescending or mean way. Take 'er easy, dude. Keep things light and kind.